The word hotel originated in 1765 from a French word denoting an establishment that offers lodging, meals and other amenities for a fee. It is essentially a commercial establishment that serves travellers.

In earliest times travellers relied on the hospitality of the people whose lands they were passing through. Food and shelter were provided by villagers. Hospitality was a kind of religious duty. Travellers were often given additional comforts like a place to freshen up, clean clothes and fresh supplies. Payment was not expected. Travellers especially if they were merchants may have repaid the kindness with little gifts.

As trade flourished and holy people went forth to spread the good news of the religion they were propagating, kings seeking to extend their sphere of influence set up inns and guest houses for the comfort of the traveller. Many religious orders also ran such establishments.

By the Middle Ages privately owned inns began to flourish. In the 18^th century stage coach travel was popular and inns sprang up along these routes. The Industrial Revolution of the 19^th century led to the Inns becoming an important feature of Western Europe. British Inns set a new standard of cleanliness, and American Inns set a standard of size.

Faster travel introduced by the coming of the rail road, led to a whole new class of traveller, the tourist. Modern hotels sprang up near railway stations. Resort hotels became popular on the French and Italian Riveria. As business boomed, hotels started to set new standards in luxury. The Savoy Hotel opened in London in 1889. It had its own electricity and offered special amenities for its guests. In 1908 the Statler Hotel in Buffalo, New York introduced many services and conveniences for the guests. These have since become standard offering at all hotels.

Hotels started to grow larger and larger. The Conrad Hilton in Chicago opened with 3000 rooms. Hotels also became more specialised. Business centres, resorts, luxury hotels, boutique hotels are a few of the hotels that can be found in almost any city in the world. The services offered are standard and the customer can make an accurate estimate of the standards of a hotel by checking out its stars. Hotels are awarded between 1 and 7 stars depending on the amenities they offer and the quality of services.

The concept of a hotel is a global phenomenon. A motel on the other hand is essentially American. The word motel comes from the words motorist and hotel. A motel is essentially a motorist’s hotel. The wide open spaces of North America, has led to American and Canadians spending many hours on the road. The Interstates and Highways connecting the cities have vast empty tracts. Motels developed for the convenience travellers motoring down these roads.

A motel is usually small having a handful of rooms. The rooms open out onto the parking lot, unlike hotel rooms that open onto a central corridor. A motel room is geared to cater to the needs of a traveller rather than a tourist. The rooms are conveniently accessible and only basic services are offered. Swimming pools if offered will be outdoor pools. Spas, Jacuzzis, beauty parlours, coffee shops are not included.

Motels are not covered by the 1 to 7 star systems. Some travel sites rate motels on a scale of 1.5 to 2.5 stars. Guests at a motel stay a night or two, mostly to rest and give their vehicles a rest before continuing on their journey. The operative word is convenience and the concept of hospitality found in hotels is not present here. There is minimal contact between the owners/staff and the customers. As a result, motels are usually cheaper than hotels.